Examining multiple mediation of authenticity in the relationship between cultural motivation pattern and satisfaction: a case study of Şirince in Turkey

Purpose This study aims to assess the relationships between cultural travel motivation, two dimensions of authenticity and satisfaction of domestic tourists visiting Sirince in Turkey. Given the structure of the model, authenticity is two latent variables, indirectly affecting satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach The research takes a predictive and explanatory approach rather than theory confirmation. Partial least squares (PLS) algorithm was used to assess the multiple mediation. The data were collected from 391 domestic visitors through a self-administered questionnaire. Findings The research highlights that two dimensions of authenticity have a statistically mediating influences on the relationship between cultural travel motivation and satisfaction. Furthermore, while cultural travel motivation is the most important predictor of satisfaction, object-based authenticity has emerged as an antecedent variable that deserves to be given the highest importance. Finally, first time visitors and repeaters did not differ across all relationships in the model. Research limitations/implications The fact that the data were collected only from Sirince can be considered as geographical limitations of the study. Another limitation is that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the data were obtained only from domestic tourists visiting Sirince. Practical implications The study on the multiple mediating roles of authenticity in the relationship between motivation factor alongside satisfaction revealed a variety of application opportunities, particularly for destinations attempting to position themselves as authentic. Accordingly, authenticity concept gains significance in tourism industry more often because unique experiences at the visited destinations can satisfy the individuals in search of their self-identity. Social implications Furthermore, transformation of authentic places into tourism destinations develops cultural values in line with expectations of tourists. However, this transforms domestic cultural factors into commercial products by eroding their significance in the eye of local residents. This invites artificiality by drifting apart from originality of cultural elements. Each element serves as part of authenticity is indeed away from authentic experience even though it is regarded as an authentic experience from tourists’ perspective because it diverts from its reality. Establishing balance between tourists’ travel motivations and their expectation from authentic destination is substantially important to satisfy their sensational and sentimental expectations. In addition to the ones mentioned above, managers should take an active role in promotion and focus on sponsorship activities to highlight the authenticity of Sirince; begin reconstruction works by considering the original architecture specific to the region; and pay attention to the compatibility of the new architectural texture with the destination character. As stated in the study of Genc and Gulertekin Genc (2021), special attention should be paid to the harmony between the architectural texture and the destination feature. Finally, considering that authenticity has a mediating role between cultural travel motivation and satisfaction, authentic values should be highlighted in promotional videos. Originality/value There has been very little research into the role of the dimensions of authenticity in mediating the relationship between cultural motivation and satisfaction. Unlike previous studies on authenticity and tourism, this research attempted to examine the relationship between cultural travel motivation and satisfaction by involving two dimensions of authenticity into the model.